Introducing Moodle

The following is a list of suggestions that we brainstormed on our face-to-face (Aug. 6th) session on how to introduce Moodle

• Go over "Netiquette" rules & discuss
• Discuss differences between discussion forum vs. chat rooms.
• Mutual respect, no abbreviating, etc.
• Time management - self motivation
• Email links to Moodle and let students self-explore, etc., then discuss.
• Talk from your own experience. Each teacher will use Moodle differently.
• "Big Brother" aspect - teacher can view student participation, etc.
• Can share with class or just with teacher - collaborative learning environment
• Discuss application in college - students will probably be taking online courses when they enter college.
• Discuss how assignments in Moodle will be graded.
• Post and go over the syllabus.
• Upload Word documents ("new window"), PDF files ("force download")
• How do we instruct kids on how to participate in a Discussion - (Jing? Audacity?)
• 1st day - use discussion to introduce yourself
• If you are using a Wikie - discuss how to take part in a Wiki
• Kids develop own "Netiquette" guidelines
• Use folders to organize for students (Add a directory) on your Moodle page.
• Provide tutorials on different concepts or for enrichment - also provide "extra help" links
• How do you balance "paper and pencil" vs. online assessments?
• Tell parents on parent's night.
• Use Google Docs (post link)
• In class, introduce Moodle with a projector and laptops with supporting paper documentation
• When introducing a project, concept, etc. for the first time, demonstrate live.
• Use Moodle page for students to access assignment
• Each student will create his/her own blog.
• K.I.S.S. method (Don't overwhelm them.)
• How do the students access Moodle? Do we have to show them the log-in procedure?
• Concerns:
  • Will we be able to help the students when they encounter problems?
  • Will it be overused (on-line discussion formats)?
  • What about the few students who do not have computers?
  • Students need a comination of class interaction/instruction wth the on-line enrichment/lessons
  • Student accountability needs to be maintained (on-line information cannot be an excuse for slacking off in class.
• Moodle - used as enrichment